The Seven Follies of Science


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(3.5 stars; 4 reviews)

The Seven Follies of Science invites listeners on a fascinating journey through the realm of scientific curiosities and impossibilities. Authored by John Phin, this engaging work explores seven notable follies that have captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike.

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century scientific inquiry, Phin delves into the attempts to unravel these perplexing phenomena. Each folly serves as a window into the challenges and paradoxes that have both baffled and inspired generations of thinkers.

In addition to the main follies, the audiobook includes a collection of intriguing paradoxes, illusions, and marvels, making it a rich tapestry of scientific exploration. This work stands out for its accessible approach, blending humor and insight, and is perfect for anyone curious about the quirks of science and the human quest for understanding.

Chapters

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Preface 5:02 Read by tmkenny
Introductory Note 15:38 Read by tmkenny
Folly 1: Squaring the Circle Part 1 30:47 Read by Availle
Folly 1: Squaring the Circle Part 2 17:31 Read by Availle
Folly 2: The Duplication of the Cube 5:12 Read by Availle
Folly 3: The Trisection of an Angle 5:08 Read by Availle
Folly 4: Perpetual Motion Part 1 12:13 Read by Tom Crawford
Folly 4: Perpetual Motion Part 2 - Absurdities 35:58 Read by mevans
Folly 4: Perpetual Motion Part 3 - Fallacies and Frauds 25:29 Read by mevans
Folly 5: The Transmutation of Metals--Alchemy 29:52 Read by Bev J Stevens
Folly 6: The Fixation of Mercury 6:08 Read by tmkenny
Folly 7: The Universal Medicine and the Elixir of Life 6:19 Read by tmkenny
Additional Follies: Perpetual Lamps, Alkahest, Palingenesy, and Sympathy 23:15 Read by Corinna Schultz
The Fourth Dimension 20:27 Read by RudeJohn
Space, Bootstraps, Spiders, Sun-dials, and Compasses 14:08 Read by Maye
Micrography 23:40 Read by Viridian
Illusions of the Senses 8:03 Read by Guero
Seeing through a Hole in the Hand and a Brick 4:08 Read by Guero
Curious Arithmetical Problems 22:55 Read by tmkenny
Popular Fallacies and Common Errors: Accidental Discoveries and Steam Engines 12:31 Read by Stephanie Lee
Popular Fallacies and Common Errors: Whetstones, Lightning, Fire, Volcanoes, and Dynamite 14:44 Read by Stephanie Lee
Popular Fallacies and Common Errors: Copper, Steam, Vinegar, Lenses, Serpents, and Hair 14:17 Read by Stephanie Lee
Popular Fallacies and Common Errors: Worms, Flies, Dragon Flies, and Powdered Glass 13:55 Read by Viridian
Popular Fallacies and Common Errors: Age 21, Rules, Cinderella, Glass, and Frankenstein 11:34 Read by Amy Gramour
Words that Convey Erroneous Ideas and Knowledge is Power 15:14 Read by Alchemist